Orion is planning to apply for a marketing authorisation for combined budesonide-formoterol formulation of the Easyhaler® product family

Orion Corporation is developing a budesonide-formoterol formulation combining budesonide as an anti-inflammatory agent and formoterol as a long-acting bronchodilator to expand the range of the inhalable Easyhaler® drug product family for treatment of asthma and COPD.

Based on the favorable pharmacokinetic study results of this Easyhaler-development programme Orion is planning to apply for a marketing authorisation for the combined budesonide-formoterol formulation. Orion currently estimates that the marketing authorisation application would be submitted in Europe during the first half of 2013.

Orion is a globally operating Finnish company developing pharmaceuticals and diagnostic tests - a builder of well-being. Orion develops, manufactures and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients and diagnostic tests. The company is continuously developing new drugs and treatment methods. Pharmaceutical R&D focuses on central nervous system drugs, oncology and critical care drugs, and Easyhaler® pulmonary drugs.

Orion's net sales in 2011 amounted to EUR 918 million and the company had about 3,400 employees. Orion's A and B shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.

This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients.

The owner of this announcement warrants that:(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of theinformation contained therein.